What's an ADU?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small, secondary dwellings allowed in residential zones and they come in two types:

• Attached ADUs (AADUs): connected to or built within the main house, and
• Detached ADUs (DADUs): structures separate from the main house
  

Imagine possibilities of having additional space on your property: income generation, multi-generational living, multipurpose spaces, and increased property value.

In 2019, the Seattle city government kicked off a plan to make it easier for property owners to build/create ADUs in an attempt to increase the availability of affordable housing. There was even an attempt to provide an affordable ADU loan program to address barriers that often prevent low-to-moderate income homeowners and homeowners of color from being able to develop an ADU. Sadly, the funds were reallocated due to budget constraints related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does it cost to create an ADU? Well, the costs vary tremendously depending on your existing home, your available lot, the design, materials you choose, and the contractors you hire. Some estimates put AADU costs starting from $75K and DADU costs starting at $250K.

If you’re a property owner in Seattle, you can access this cool on-line search tool to check ADU feasibility for your property. It’s definitely something we’ve thought about if/when we have the funds.

Do you think ADUs have the potential to solve housing issues?

DADU in Seattle